CIW Fire Drill Compliance Checklist
What inspectors check during fire safety reviews at Welsh nurseries
When was your last fire drill? Can you prove it?
CIW inspectors don't just ask "do you do fire drills?" — they ask to see your records. Date, time, evacuation time, who was present, what went wrong, and how you fixed it.
This checklist shows you exactly what to document — so you're always ready for that inspection question.
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✓ Pre-Drill Preparation
Test alarm sounds before drill. Ensure it can be heard in all areas including outdoor spaces.
Check all emergency exits open freely. Remove any obstructions from exit routes.
You need an accurate, real-time list of all children, staff, and visitors on premises.
Check the designated assembly area is safe, accessible, and all staff know where it is.
Everyone must know their responsibility before the drill starts.
🔥 During the Drill
No running. Staff maintain calm. Children who need carrying are assisted immediately.
Every single child must be accounted for. This is non-negotiable.
Staff completing room sweeps must report to fire warden when complete. Visitors on the register must be at assembly point.
Designated staff must check toilets, sleep rooms, storage areas, and outdoor spaces.
Includes emergency contacts, first aid kit, medication, nappies, and comfort items.
⏱️ Timing (CIW inspectors check this)
From alarm sounding to all persons accounted for. Target: under 3 minutes. Record actual time.
Younger children and those with additional needs may require more time. Document any delays and reasons.
📝 Post-Drill Documentation (Required for CIW)
Must be documented immediately after drill. Include exact start and end times.
Inspectors check that numbers match your attendance records for that time.
Record problems: blocked exits, alarm not heard, slow evacuation. Every issue needs a fix with a named person and deadline.
Manager or designated fire warden must sign the drill record.
Keep all fire drill records in your fire safety folder. Inspectors may request historical records.
🔍 What CIW Inspectors Look For
Not always at the same time. Include nap time, meal times, outdoor play, different days of the week.
If a problem was identified, inspectors want to see it was fixed before the next drill.
Inspectors may ask any staff member. Everyone should know what to do without hesitation.
Older children should recognise the alarm and know to go to the assembly point calmly.
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Common Fire Drill Questions from CIW
How often do fire drills need to happen?
Minimum termly (3 per year) under Welsh regulations. Best practice is monthly. CIW looks favourably on settings that exceed minimums.
What if we can't evacuate in under 3 minutes?
Document why and what you're doing to improve. Younger children, children with additional needs, or complex building layouts may need longer. The key is showing continuous improvement.
Do we need to include visitors in fire drills?
Yes. Anyone on premises must be accounted for. Your visitor sign-in system should make this easy.
What records do we need to keep?
Date, time, duration, number of people present, any issues, corrective actions taken, and sign-off by person in charge. Keep for minimum 3 years.